Conveyer mechanism



Junelv, 1941'.

G. alHuENERFAuTl-l 5 convmmz MEGHANISM Fn'ed nec.. 2, r1 959 4 Sheet-Sheet 1 vJune 17, 1941- G. E. HUI-:NERFUTH 2,245,673 i coNvEYER MEQHANISM 'Filed Dec. 2, 193,9 n

4 Sheets-,Sheet 3 yadjacent tanks.

, ly with respect to the latter.l 1When the horizon- A Lrli'itente'd June 17, 1941 PATENT y orrlca'- CGNVEYER MECHANISLI George E. Huenerfauth, Evanston, lll., asslgnor to Crown Rheostat & Supply Co., Chicago, IIL, a

-' corporation of Illinois Application December 2, 1939r Serial No. 307,247

9 Claims. (Cl. 214-17) The present invention relates to automatic plating and processing equipment. It is particularly directed towards =a mechanism adapted to convey articlesto beprocessed successively from one processing tank to another. Although my invention will probably find its greatest use. in the metal plating field, its use is by no means restrictedto actual metal plating.. It can be used equ'ally well for cleaning, pickling, rinsing, drying, borderizing and lacquering of metal parts and products; in short, wherever 'a series of washes, rinses and dips is needed.

The purpose of my invention is to provide an automatic mechanism, supported over a series of processing tanks, which will convey the articles to be processed from tank totank and allow such articles to remain in each tankva predetermined length of time.

I My principal object is to provide `a simple, eiiicient mechanism of this nature which utilizes comparatively few moving parts. y

A further object of my invention -is to provide means wherebythe articles may remain in a particular tank for a period of .time longer than in My invention, designed to keep -pace with highspeed production, permitsa rapid feedingv of articles'to be processed at one end of a series of tanks, and delivers the processed articles at the other end at the same rate. A timer 'switch in circuit with the power mechanism allows thev user to regulate the length of timethe articles are tobe dipped in the successive tanks.

In general, my mechanism comprises twoV mov- 35 the cycles;

` work is carried by the vertically movable framework. By means of a compressed air hoisting device, both lframeworks are moved upwardly until rollers carried on the horizontally movable framework engage inclined bars mounted on the outer framework structure, whereby the horizontally movable framework'is urged horizontaltally movable framework has been moved the distance between two successive tanks, as limited by an arrangement 'of stops, the hoisting mechanism lowers the two frameworks until the article supporting rod is removed from its supporting framework by the top of the first of the series of processing tanks. Thereafter, the roll- 5 framework back to its original position, thereby a completing a cycle. Successive cycles carry the article supporting rod from tank to tank, finally delivering it at the end of the conveyer opposite from whence it started. 1

The features and advantages of the present invention will appear more fully as the description proceeds, reference being hadto the accompanying drawings wherein a `preferred form of the -invention is shown. It is to be understood, how- 15 ever,` that the drawings and description are illustrative only, and are not to-betaken as limiting the` invention except insofar as it is limited.

v2:-2 of Fig. 1;

3--3 of Fig. 2, showing the position ofthe mechanism after it has completed the first half of a cycle;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4 4 of Fig. 1, showing in detail the rollers carf vried on the horizontally moving framework;

Fig. f5 is a sectional view -taken onthe line 5 5 of Fig. 1;" r

Fig. 6 is a diagram of the circuit regulating Fig. '1 is a perspective view showing in detail the shoe and related structure 'of the vertically moving framework, and

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a portion ofthe 40 cooperating horizontally moving framework.

Referring now`in detail to the drawings, and

in particular to Figs; 1 and 2 thereof, my convey'er mechanism comprises' a rigid supporting nal and transverse horizontal members Il and I1 connecting the` upper ends/'of the end uprights i5, and similar longitudinal andtransverse horizontal members Il and "connecting the lower ends of the end uprights il; Intermediate side uprights 2l connect the upper and lower longitudinalhorizontal members il and Il and carry certaininclined members hereinafter Fig. 2 is. a sectional view taken on the line Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on the' line l work structure.

The vertically movable framework comprises shoememberszadsptedtoslidablyensagethe end uprights IB. The shoe member Il is shown in detail inFigs. 5 and 7, wherein an angle iron the channel end Wbt l5. -Olliudinal chan- 2 A h spasms referred lo. 'me emi uname se are channel me verseau; menue nime is se or nw'ia members. the open sides of which face lonsitudiupper nelly inward the framework so as to consti Referring now to Fig. l, the vertically movable tute a trackl or guide for an inner vertically framework is in its lower-position and the horisontally movable unit is in its left hand position, as limited bythe stop 4l in contact with bar l2.' The vertically members Il.` and the rollered channel members 4I carried thereby, arel swstantially below the level of the top nel members l0, which open inwardly of the I framework, connect the shoes 2i. 'lugs 3l being provided on the narrow flange of the shoe angle f iron 2B to which the members 3 0 are attached by means of bolts or rivets $2. Transverse angle irons n connect the tops of the shoes 2B. Running longitudinally of the framework and connecting the angle irons ll near the midpoint thereof are spaced channel members Il.` A rod 3l connects the spaced channel members 34 at their midpoint and receives the cable which raises and lowers the above described vertically movable framework.

Disposed within such framework is a structure designed to vmove horizontally, and therebyfconvey the articles to be processed from one tank to the next. This structure .comprises upwardly facing channel members extending substantially the length of the given series of processing tanks'll. The'two channel members Il are provided with rollers 4l which engage the lower ilanges of the horizontal channel members ll and are supported thereby. Projecting upwardly from the channel members ll are spaced hars I2, the 'respective ends of which are connected by transverse tie rods 43. unit composed of channel members ,fbars 42 and rods. is free to slide horizontally to and fro by means of the rollers riding on-the flanges of the channels Il. As it is necessary that the unit move only the length of o'ne tank, or, in other words, move an article from the center of one tank to the center of an adjacent tank. -stops 4I and li are provided on the horizontal chanvnelmemberslltocnira'setlleulivstandingspaced bars I2 of the channel members Il. The inner liiange of the channel members Il carries rod supporting notches 4I, as hereinafter described.

' side uprights Il of the supporting framework. Rollers Il are rotatably mounted'on the ends of the axles Il. At a position on the intermediate side uvrlshm Il, near-thslevel of the tops of the tanks il. arei riveted angle irons II.` The irons areinclinedat ananglewith the horisontslasshowninll'lg. is ndformthe1bearing'-.m

surface for .the rollers Il when the vertically movable frame is in its` lower position. Near the top of the intermediate `side uprights l0 are riveted similarly inclined angle irons which form the bearing surface for the rollers Il when channel members Il, Vwherein the rods Il; are'to be seated as the vertically moving framework rises to lift the rods from the top oi' thetanksil.

In operation. the mechanism starts from the position shown in Fig. l.v The hoisting mechanism', hereinafter described. raises the vertically movable framework together with the horizontally movable unit. As the notched channel mem- `bersllpassthetopofthetanksILtherodsli.

spect to the vertically movable framework ear-A llscanbeseemthe ried .by the shoes 2l, by Avirtue of' the rollers-4Il which engage the shoe connecting bers Il.

-When the vertically movable iramework'has reached its upper limit. the vrollers `il have moved the notched channelv unit to the right to a point where the left-hand barsnllcarried on channel inem@ channels 4l engage the stops Il therebypreventing further longitudinal. displacement.- At this point, `as shown in Fig. 3.!the notched channel unit has been moved to the right the distance between the notched lugs il atop the tanks Il, so that each article holding rod il is nowin vertical alignment with the lugs Il on the tank immediately lto the right oi the tank from-:whence theV rod was lifted. The hoisting vnew lowers the vertically movable framework`,'and

therodsllareretainedbyiugsllasth'eframe-.-

work moves below the top ofthe .-tanks. Thereafter, the rollers l! carried on the notched channels 4l engage the lower inclined yangle irons Il mounted on the intermediate side uprights 2l. nie rollers roll down the incline and return the notched channelllnit rto its original pontion, the

showninl'lgaland Reierring A i. where the mechanism is in itacycle starting position, the article to be processed is suspended 'from rod 6I, andthe rod is placed in the leftwill remain seated until engaged by plates 6C capping the lower ends of channel members 85. 'I'he rod ilis lifted sufficiently to be free of the' notched lugsl B and is transferred to the rig'hthand position as the mechanism goes through its usual cycle.

Any 'convenient means for periodically raising and lowering the framework maybe employed.

.I have found as especially satisfactory a compressed air mechanism which is mounted on top of the supporting framework. This mechanism comprises a cylinderfl` having an air inlet 1I.

Within thecylinder Il is a piston 'I2 having a connecting rod 13 projecting outside the cylinder. On -the outer end of the connecting rod 13 is mounted a pulley 14, as best shown in Fig. 1. In a vertical plane with pulley 14, pulley l5 is mounted on the supporting framework in such a position that said pulley may be engaged by the vertical cable 3l attached to the vertically movable framework. The cable extends partially. around each pulley as shown in Fig. 1 and has'its freeend'anchored 'to fixed member 1t.'

A's can be readily seen, such an arrangement effects'a 2:1 ratio between the lifting distance and piston displacement.-

Fig. 6 is a diagram of the electric circuit used ony my invention. A timer switch 8l is connected in series with a solenoid valve 8l on the compressed air pipe 82. A normally closed lower limit switch 83 and a normally closed upper limit switch 84 are provided and function as hereinafter described. The solenoid valve Il is of a two way type wherein the energization of the solenoid opens the valve and .permits a'ow -of compressed air through the pipe 82 tol the inlet- 'Il of the cylinder 10. The deenerglzation of the solenoid allows the air pressure to close the solenold operated valve to cut on the air supply in thepipe 82.' Ina closed condition, the `valve 'provides an exhaust opening from the pipe .I2 to atmosphere. The size of this exhaust opening y is adjustable t'o more or less cushion thereturn of the piston 'l2 to its original position under ,the'weight of the framework and its load. A A cycle is started when the timer switch 80' closes the circuit tothe solenoid valve 8l, there.

by closing the valve and allowing air'to displace the piston 12 in' the cylinder 1l.. The timer switch 80 holds'the circuit until the shoe I! is raised suillciently to close the lower limit switch 8l carried on the supporting framework, which,

. in point of time. is sometime after the rods are picked up from the tops of the tanks. The switch 83 keeps the circuit closed until the completion of the upper horizontal movement ofthe article.- carrying framework, at which time the upper limit switch Il is struck and opened. The switch 8l is carried by the channel Il of the vertically movable framework and is struck open by a memaf framework. As switch 84 is in series with switgh the circuit is opened and the solenoid valve 0l is thereby deenergized. This permitsv the vertically vmoving framework to drop. The upper limit switch Slis adapted to remain open until -the lower switch 83 is opened, thereby keeping the'valve Ui deenerglzed until the lower limit of the .vertical motion is reached. A succeeding `cycle'commences when the timer switch 80 again closes the circuit to energize the solenoid ofthe solenoid valve.

It 4may be desirable to provide that a new cycle cannotjstart until the article carrying rod 6I has .been removed from its position atop the last tank of the series. Such a feature may be'incorporated readily by providing a 'switch 85, in series with the solenoid valve, adapted to close when the rod is removed.

Although I have shown only one unit invention, and contemplate that the last article carryinsrod 6| is to be manually removed from the last tank, it is obvious that a4 second unit may be placed in li'ne' with the nrst which will4 pick up the. rods 6I and convey them along a. second series of processing tanks.

It is .believed that the construction and advantages of my automatic conveyer mechanism described herein will be readily apparentv to those skilled in this art. Having thus described my invention,ywhat I claim; as new and desire. to secure by-Letters Patent is:

1. In a conveyer mechanism disposed in operative relationship, with a series of `'ta-nks. and

adapted to convey articles successively from tank" tc tank, a supporting structure, a vertically moving framework therein, a longitudinally movable article carrying framework, rollers mounted on said latter framework, inclined bars carried on said supporting structure cooperating with said` rollers to utilize the vertical motion to'lonsi-V tudinally move said article carrying framework the length of one unit tank in one direction when said vertically moving framework approaches its upper limit, and in the opposite direction when said vertically moving framework approaches its lower -limit.`

2. A conveyer mechanism comprising a supporting structure including end uprights, a vertically movable framework including shoe members whichslidably engage said end uprightsand longitudinal .members connecting said shoe members, an article carrying framework slidably supported on said longltudir'iall members, means for periodically raising and lowering said vertically movable framework. and conjunctionally operable means for longitudinally moving said' article carrying framework whereby saidframework engages, lifts, displaces am'lv lowers articles from one point to another and then returns to its cycle starting position to engage the next successive article, said latter means .comprising inclined .bars mounted on said supporting structure and rollers cooperating therewith mounted on said ber a projecting from the horizontally movable article' carrying framework. n

3. A conveyer mechanism comprising a supporting structure including end uprights, avertically movable framework including shoe members which slidably engage said end uprights and longitudinal members connecting said shoe members, an article carrying framework slidably supported on said longitudinal members, means for periodically raising and lowering said vertically movable framework and coniunctionally operable means for longitudinally moving said `'article ofiny" carrylm framework whereby said framework engages, lifts, displaces and lowers articles from one point to another and then returns to its cycle starting position to engage the next successive article, said latter means comprising inclined bars mounted on said supporting structure and article carrying framework, stops being provided t limit the longitudinal displacement of said Y framework` 4. In combination with a series of tanks having article carrying rods extending across the tops thereof, avi/conveyor mechanism comprising a vertically movable framework including longitudinal members, a longitudinally movable framework siidably supported on said members. said latter framework being adapted to engage, lift and displace said rods the length of one limit tankandtoreseatsaidrods onthetopsof adjacent tanks, whereupon said framework `is moved back to its cycle starting position. and means for periodically raming. lowering and moving longitudinally said respective frameworks, said means for longitudinally moving said latter framework comprising rollers lmounted on said frameworks and cooperating inclined bars carried on said supporting structure.

5. A conveyer mechanism comprising a supporting structure including end uprights, a vertically moving framework including shoes which slidably engage said uprights and longitudinal f asians j rollers cooperating therewith mounted on said 5 7. In combination with a series of tanks having article'ca'rrying rods across the tops thereof,v

the ends of which project beyond the sides of said tanks, a conveyor mechanism comprising a vertlcally movable framework, a longitudinally movable framework siidably supported within the former, said latter framework being adapted to engage, raiserand longitudinally move said article 'carrying rods and replace them across the tops lof adjacent tanks at periodic intervals, a means whereby articles ymay remain in a tank dining more'than one cycle of the conveyer,v said means -comprising a tankof more than one unit length,

channel members projecting Vdownwardly from -said longitudinally movable framework. and rod engaging caps on the lower ends of saidl channel members, the length of said channel members v being somewhat less than the vertical displace-l ment of said frameworks.

8. In combination with a series of ing article carrying rods projecting beyond the sides thereof, a conveyer mechanism comprising. a supporting structure including uprlghts, a vertically movable framework engaging said uprights, said framework including horizontally disposed channel members, a longitudinally movable framework siidably supported by said channel members. said last named `framework including horiacntaliy disposed members extending in close proximity to the sides of said tanks and underlying the ends of said article carrying rods, means for raising said frameworks whereby said rods are lifted from said tanfks, means for moving said longitudinally movable framework a predeter-4 mined distance, means for lowering said frameworks whereby said rods are reseated onl said tanks, and means for returning said horimntally movable framework to its' cycle starting position.

former, said latter framework being adapted to engage, raise and longitudinally move said article carrying rods and replace them across the tops of adjacent tanks at periodic intervals, a

means whereby articles may remain in a tank during more than one cycle of the conveyer, said 'means comprising a tank of more than one unit length, channel members projecting downwardly from said longitudinally movable framework, and rod engaging caps on the lower ends of said channel members.

9. In combination with a'series of tanks having article carrying rods projecting beyond the sides' thereof, a conveyer mechanism comprising a vertically movable framework carried by a supporting structure, a longitudinally movable framework siidably supported on said first named framework. said longitudinally movable framework including horisontal members disposed in close proximity to said tanks and underlying the ends of said rods, means. for raising said frameworks whereby said rods are elevated, means for moving said longitudinally movable framework a predeterminedl distance. means for lowering'said frameworks whereby the rodsare seated on the tanks, and means for returning said horizontally movable framework toits cycle starting position.

GIDRGE E. HUINERFAUTH.

tankshav- 

